The journey of the only child of a peasant family to take the imperial examination

The next day, Zhang Ping'an took people to inspect the salt field.

He also informed Yang Dianshi and others in advance that the higher-ups might increase salt mining efforts and asked them to recruit more salt workers.

Yang Dianshi and the Chief Clerk exchanged a look, feeling somewhat embarrassed. "Sir, the salt fields are already well staffed, and they're not busy on weekdays. So... there's no need to recruit more salt workers, right?!"

Zhang Pingan stopped walking and frowned when he heard this. "Our salt field covers nearly 350 mu, with 3085 salt troughs and 61 brine pools, but there are only about 40 households working on it. I know the general process of salt drying, and it's not like farming; it's a delicate job. These 40 households, young and old, are all busy and have no time to rest. If you increase the amount of salt you have to collect, do you want to tire them to death?"

Yang Dianshi really wanted to say that they were not exhausted to death, as they were all low-class people. Even if they were exhausted to death, it would not be a big deal. He could just add a few more cooks to the list according to the law.

But seeing that Zhang Ping'an looked very unhappy, he knew that he couldn't say this.

Zhang Ping'an didn't want to create a strained relationship with Yang Dianshi, as it would hinder his government work. He took a deep breath, calmed his emotions, and then said in a deep voice, "Wait until the government decree comes down. Recruit 30 adult men from the coastal villages and pay them monthly. As for how long they'll work, it depends on the changes in the court's policies."

Yang Dianshi was still coveting the position of county magistrate, so he just went along with it and nodded, saying, "Okay, sir, don't worry, leave this matter to me, I will take care of it!"

The sea has opened at this time, and the beach is bustling with activity. On the way to the salt fields, you can see many boats just returning from fishing at night.

There are also pearl divers preparing to go out to sea to collect pearls.

After Yang Dianshi's explanation, Zhang Ping'an realized that although daytime is the main time for fishing, the temperature is lower at night in spring and winter, and fish will gather in warm waters. Fishing at night is more effective at this time, and it can avoid the strong sunlight during the day, reduce the disturbance to the fish, and increase the catch.

Therefore, some families who are short of money and not well-off will go out to sea to fish at night.

When we arrived at the salt field, the cooks had just finished their morning work and were taking turns having breakfast.

They lived alone in a village next to the salt field, called Zaohu Village, and the surnames were very mixed.

Because there is a number requirement for stove households, similar to the modern organization, if the number is insufficient, a new lottery will be drawn from the nearby residents to forcibly change the stove household registration.

Although it is called a lottery, in fact, most of the people who draw are relatively poorer families.

Because the stove owners worked very hard, had a very low social status, and could not earn much money, they could only barely make enough to eat and live.

Almost no one is willing to take the initiative to be a stove owner.

The manager of the salt field had received the news in advance and had already been waiting by the side.

Zhang Ping'an asked him to take him to see the salt lake.

This is not a simple inspection, but it is very likely related to the subsequent strategic deployment, so we cannot be careless.

Because the fire that burned Yu County Magistrate was so intimidating, the people in charge were very respectful and had been working diligently recently, fearing that they would be caught and killed.

Therefore, when Zhang Ping'an asked about the various steps of salt production, output, classification, storage, etc., the manager answered fluently.

Zhang Ping'an was very satisfied.

The manager felt relieved when he saw Zhang Ping'an's gentle expression.

"Now is a good season for salt mining and production. Salt is an important commodity and cannot be neglected," Zhang Pingan said. He tilted his head and asked, "Do we have enough manpower at the salt fields now?"

The manager replied after careful consideration, "Although there are only about 40 households, everyone from 5-year-old children to 50-year-old elders can help with the work. Judging from the number of people in each household, there are about 600 people, which is more than enough."

After saying that, he slightly raised his head and glanced at Zhang Ping'an's face. Seeing that Zhang Ping'an didn't respond, he quickly changed the subject and continued, "But, the cooks have to work until very late before going home. They have to go to the salt fields before dawn. The time is too long, and these people can't bear it. In the end, it will affect the output of our salt fields. If you can help recruit some more salt workers, that would be the best!"

Yang Dianshi smiled and continued, "Master Zhang has exactly the same idea. He has just instructed me to see to it."

The steward was very good at handling things and quickly flattered him, saying, "Master Zhang is truly wise and powerful. Master Zhang is also very compassionate to the people. Even a humble flatterer cannot catch up with him!"

Zhang Pingan waved his hand: "Stop talking nonsense and take us to continue watching!"

The salt field is very large, but there is only a very narrow road in the middle, which is mainly used for transporting salt in and out.

It took everyone a whole day to complete the tour of the salt field. It was well maintained, with some minor flaws, but no major problems.

Before leaving, Zhang Ping'an instructed, "Manager Sha, tomorrow you will go to the county government office and withdraw 100 taels of silver. You will also hire a few cooks. From the day after tomorrow, all the cooks will eat together, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The daily food expenses must not be less than 6 taels."

The steward was a bit dramatic and confirmed, "Sir, do you provide meals every day? What about those little kids who don't have anything to do? Do you provide them as well?"

Zhang Ping'an nodded: "I'll take care of it! When you run out of money, come to the county government office to withdraw it."

After saying this, he glanced at the manager with a serious look and said sternly, "The county government's treasury is not rich to begin with. I'm not giving you this money to enrich yourself. If I find out that the money is not used to feed the cooks, then you'll be on your own!"

The manager was a little embarrassed. He had just had this thought. He quickly waved his hands and said, "No, no!"

The imperial court issued the decree very quickly, and Zhang Ping'an received the official document the next day. This year's salt production would be increased by 30%, which was much more than Zhang Ping'an expected.

This is not just a matter of recruiting staff, the facility must be expanded. However, there is no mention of the cost of the expansion, which clearly means the county government has to figure it out on its own.

Zhang Ping'an had a headache. Everything costs money. Only when you don't manage the household do you know how expensive food, oil, salt and firewood are!

At this moment, the yamen runner came to report that there was a letter from Lin'an, and then the village chief of Sujia Village came with Su Erleng's family and was waiting in the front hall.

Zhang Ping'an read the letter and found it was sent by his sixth brother-in-law.

After thinking about it, he asked Chief Secretary Tao to meet the Su family first.

This man climbed up step by step from the town below. He is good at getting things done. He has a desire for fame and fortune, but not too much. He knows his limits. Most importantly, he is friendly, much better than Yang Dianshi, and is also good at observing people's words and expressions.

It would be most appropriate to let Tao Zhubu arrange this matter.

Tao Zhubo also remembered this family and roughly guessed the county magistrate's intention of letting that fool come to farm.

This is a good thing and he is happy to help.

"Wait, give them a month's allowance first," Zhang Pingan thought for a moment and ordered, "It seems like their family is struggling financially. They've just arrived in the county and they must have some expenses. Give them this money first!"

"I understand," Tao Zhubo nodded and went down.